Application directions found below.

We are a public high school focused on meeting the needs of academically gifted learners. Our vision is to create an environment that focuses on the whole student. We strive to facilitate the learning process in order to build the knowledge and skills geared towards preparing scholars for their future. We will accomplish this by providing scholars with a unique educational experience immersed in the college atmosphere.

Our school offers an accelerated, intense program of study focused on core academic courses in order to prepare scholars for enrollment at USC Aiken in their third year of high school. By completing this application, you are indicating that you are willing to accept the challenge and join the ASA Family.

All sections of the application must be complete in order to be reviewed. All applicants must reside in Aiken County or in Aiken County Public School District attendance zones. Proof of residency will be required. Following the submission of your application, recommendation requests will be sent to the individuals whose names you provided. The school may also request additional information such as standardized test data, attendance, discipline and academic records from your elementary and/or middle school.

We appreciate your interest in our school and look forward to reviewing your application!

Attend an information session to learn more ! Sessions will be held throughout the application timeline at ASA and at middle schools; expand the sections below to view.

INTEREST MEETING PRESENTATION LINK

All applicants must:

1. Be a current 8th grade students who resides in an Aiken County Public School District attendance zone.

   • If you're moving to the area, proof of residency is required by the first day of school.

   • ACPSD district employees who live outside of county attendance zones children may apply.

2. Be enrolled in and successfully complete English 1H and at least 1 high school math course for credit (Geometry H and/or Algebra 1H) in 8th grade.

   • These courses WILL NOT be offered in the summer.

   • This requirement will change in the future due to the new SC Math Standards.

3. Take PSAT 8/9 or PSAT/NMSQT in 8th grade

   • Most middle schools will administer one of these in October. ASA will offer an administration for applicants only in March for anyone who has not taken.

4. Desire to take on a challenging course of study and commit to ASA!

The application is now LIVE! Please see steps to apply below:

1. Select the application button below.

2. Applicants- not parents- should create an account using a personal email address.

3. Prior to completing the application, collect your Proof of Residency documentation. A list of approved documents can be found HERE.

4. Complete the application:

   • For writing prompts, it is recommended to prepare in a word document ahead of time and then copy/paste your answers into the application. A copy of all of the writing prompts can be found HERE.

   • When providing the names of recommenders, be sure you have notified them first and ensure that the email address provided is accurate. We will send the recommendation form to the individuals you indicated.

5. As you enter information into the application your work will be automatically saved from one section to the next.

   • To exit and return, you must "Save & Sign Out," which is found by clicking the circular button with your initials at the top right of the screen.

   • To revisit, simply access the application link below, enter your account information and resume work.

6. Submit!

Once the application closes in January, every application will go through the following processes:

1. January- All applications will be reviewed to ensure the applicant is enrolled in the correct coursework to be considered and to verify residency requirements. Recommendation forms will be sent to teachers, counselors, and administrators who were provided in the application.

2. February- Applicants will be contacted to schedule their Cold Writing Session and Interview:

   • Cold Write- applicants will be provided with several prompts to select from and will participate in a timed writing session.

     Writing prompts do not require any prior knowledge.

     If a student receives accommodations through an IEP of 504, those will be provided during the Cold Write.

   • Interviews will be held at ASA.

3. March- The PSAT will be administered on March 3rd to any applicant that has not previously taken or who would like to take. There is a $15 testing fee that must be paid prior to participating.

4. April- Selection will be finalized and all applicants will be notified of their of status vial mail.

   • Only 50 applicants will be invited to attend.

   • There will be a waitlist and you will be notified what number you are on the list.

   • Those invited to attend will be given 2 weeks to confirm and solidify their commitment to attend.

5. June- Onboarding IGP Meetings will be held with incoming freshmen students and parents.

6. July- Freshman Student & Parent Orientation meetings.